Tech Talk Blog

Q: Quick question for you in regards to a plasma system cleaning parts. Is there such thing as a part being too dirty? What happens if we have a part that has been soaked in CNC lube or even worse dipped in oil? Can you give me a rough idea of the limitations that a plasma system in regards to dirty parts?

A: Yes. A part can be too dirty for plasma to be effective. A good rule-of-thumb is ; If you can wipe if off with your thumb, it is too dirty. In other words… if a part has so much oil or contaminate that it can be moved with your finger, the part needs to be, at least, wiped down. When a part has excessive contamination it takes a long time for the plasma to completely remove all the contamination. The plasma can certainly remove all the contaminate, but it is doing it one molecule at a time. So, the thicker the oil layer the longer the time.

So, it is a good idea to wash the parts before plasma. But one may ask, if I have to wash them, why do I need plasma? The answer is: the wash cannot remove all the contaminate, because the bath always has some level of contamination. The plasma chamber never can have contamination, because all the contaminates are converted to gas and pumped away.

Have a look at our Materials Resource Guide and our TriStar site, too.

There are many options when it comes to cleaning parts; solvent wiping, soaking, ultrasonics, abrasion. But, more and more are considering plasma treatments, specifically plasma cleaning. Granted that plasma cleaning is horrible at removing bulk or globed on gunk from a device simply because it would take a very long time for all organics to be eliminated. But, to use plasma as the final step in complete organic removal, nothing is better.

Plasma cleaning of critical parts like medical implants, electronics, or diagnostics is one of the best methods. The operational cost and chemical use is very low making this technique environmentally friendly. The plasma technique is completely 360 degree cleaning organic residue from the smallest feature. The surface will be hyper-clean, uniform and ready for packaging or to some other critical step where pristine surfaces are necessary. Learn more about plasma treatments in our Shooting Star eLetter and be sure to check out the archives!

Welcome to the Surface Treatment / Modification Blog.

This Blog will attempt to discuss and inform about anything and everything related to…drum roll please…surface treatment and separate fact from fantasy.

The subject of surface treatment can be difficult to explore. Some techniques are closely held secrets while other procedures are spelled out on the page of a magazine. So, it can be difficult to know what cleaning or surface treatment technique is appropriate for a specific application. In many cases, a perfectly good surface treatment technique is applied to the wrong application, and then the technique is given a “bum rap”; There are many times I have heard…”plasma doesn’t work!” or ” nothing beats my sandpaper and acetone trick.” Well, plasma can work and there is something better and simpler than acetone and sandpaper.

If you have already heard enough and would like help increasing yield, adding value, or developing new products, please go to the TriStar Plastics Corp. web site to initiate your project. Or simply Ask The Experts your questions right away!

So, without further delay…lets blog about Surface treatment.